Marfa Film Festival

We are constantly reminded that Marfa is no longer Texas’ best-kept secret, but rather a destination for art, music, and film lovers from across the globe. Exhibit A: the Marfa Film Festival. For five days, on July 11-15, filmmakers, film buffs, international press, and industry professionals flood the tiny desert town to view a curated mix of more than 50 feature films, shorts, music videos, and experimental works. Unlike other popular film festivals, this one screens one film at a time, so attendees can enjoy each showing “in that unhurried sun-drenched desert town at the end of the world kind of way”—true Marfa style. In previous years, the festival has featured the likes of Dennis Hopper, Larry McMurtry, and Heath Ledger. This year, for its 10th anniversary, the festival is celebrating women. On Friday night, there will be an alfresco picnic honoring the July birthday of Frida Kahlo, with interactive art installations dedicated to the prolific Mexican painter. In keeping with past years, classic movies will be screened outside in the starlit desert each evening. If you’re pining for more than just movies, the weekend has a reputation for memorable musical and theater performances, like a 2008 concert by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and last year’s private showing of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Keep your ears open for special events and happenings hosted by various Marfa hotspots throughout the weekend. So, whether you’re a cinephile or just a fan of the unique Marfa mindset, pack your bag for what is sure to be a weekend to remember. And book your stay early—as we all know, accommodations are sparse. Passes are $300 a pop.

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Published monthly by the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Highways, the official travel magazine of Texas, encourages travel to and within the Lone Star State and tells the Texas story to readers around the world.